The Portland daily press., 1887-11-19

blind that she did not see that we were be-
trothedY prayed that she might 60 away,
and leave us to ourselves once more, and
Robert would go back to his old fond ways.
His caresses were growing colder, his kisses
lighter. spoke of his seeming neglect; he
answered lightly, taking my hands in his,
and looking fondly at me, Nonsense, Mat
tiei Do you know, my little girl, that you
are growing nearer and dearer to me every
day?"
For time was satisfied, trying to be con-
tent with but share of his love.
We were seated in the garden, one after
noon in the early autumn, Robert Kathleen
and 1. She was looking unusually hand
some in dress of soft India null. My
lover had just paid her well-merited COM
pliment, for which she was about to make
gracious reply when Aunt Martha came to us.
Robert" she said, placing her hand fond
ly on his shoulder as she spoke, twill you
gather some grapes for me? / find that
some Of the punches hang too high. The
girls win go with you and hold the basket"
He rose to comply with her request. Kath-
leen was at his side in a moment, while re-
fused to join them, feigning severe head
ache.
"They do not want me, / reasoned within
myself.
| l watched them as they walked away
together, he carrying the little wicker bas
ket, and she tossing her bright curls with
that coquetish air that came so natural to
her.
cannot tell you what tempted me to fol-
low them; 1t must have been some evil
genius. Slowly l followed them down the
pathway, taking every precaution, however,
not to be observed Seated upon rustic
bench, l could see every movement of my
lover and Kathleen.
How lovely she looked standing in the
orchard. the sunlight falling athwart the
lovely upturned face. on which a smile
rested Never was seen a fairer vision.
Her sleeve of soft texture falling back.
showed the shapely outstretched arm.
Sometimes peal of merry laughter would
fall upon my ear.
They did not miss me; not even Robert.
He was content with Kathleen.
The basket was full to overlooking, and
still they fingered. One bunch of luscious
grapes-the last gathered-was in Roberts
hand. He stopped to put it with the others,
when their eyes met, their hands touched
Was dreaming? Alas, No! saw him
stoop, and kiss her fondly.
Iwaited no longer. With a cry of pain
turned, ana fled to the seclusion of my own
room, where l sobbed out the troubles of my
young heart with only God to hear me.
went away quite Unexpectedly. 1 was
homesick, told Aunt Martha / left let
ter for Robert, giving no explanation of my
conduct, simply telling him it was better we
should part.
Twas proud girl and would not stoop to
acknowledge rival.
remember taking the ring he had given
me from my hand, and what struggle it
cost me to place it with the letter-the last
letter that should ever write to Robert.
Icame home to mother, who was quite an
invalid, and needed all my care.
/ never heard from Robert, save once
through Aunt Martha, who wrote:
''Of course, Matte, you've not forgotten
Robert whom, to speak candidly, you treat
ed rather unkindly. He has gone to London
to practice medicine. He is doing WE'LL"
An old newspaper had fallen into my
hands. where was an account Of a brilliant
reception. Among the guests were the
names of Doctor Robert Preston and wife,
knew it was Robert and Kathleen. / made
no inquiries, and receiving no further infor-
nation, took it for granted that Aunt Mar
tha's kindness of heart prevented her from
again referring to the past. closed my
heart forever.I
The world will never know me as disap-
pointed woman. / thought. fattering myself
that had quite succeeded in deceiving hu-
manity in general, until the gossip had come
upon me with her idle words, bringing to
life the bitter past that thought had
buried years ago.
"Going to church service, Miss Ken
wood?"
1t was my neighbor that asked the ques-
ton, Marcia ball. A dear little girl. with |
the utmost faith in mankind in general.
smiled family as l caught sight of the
new bonnet with its dainty ribbonsr evident
ly gotten up for the new curate.
young and foolish" thought l. "Wait
until she's six and twenty, and I'll wager |
she will not buy new bonnet for all the |
new curates in the town.
Slowly we walked to church on that bright
Sabbath morning, Marcia chatting gaily, and
1 dressed in the plainest of dresses, walking
silently beside her.
l had not fully recovered from Mrs.
Briggs's unkind remarks, and was deter
mined to show her my disinclination to ''set
my cap as she termed it, by appearing in
an exceedingly unbecoming gown. [ was
really disappointed on catching last glimpse
in the mirror,lto find that Notwithstanding
my plain toilet and my six and twenty years,
4 ain 20
mother say as / stopped to kiss her, slow
well you are looking, Mattiep
How crowded the little village church |
was filled to overlooking. Every one was
there, even that hateful Mrs. Briggs. l |
caught glimpse of the great poke bonnet as
l walked quickly to my seat.
They were singing as we entered, yet l
scarcely heard them, feeling rather embar-
raised at coming late to be gazed at by the
entire congregation.
/ sank YEARLY among the soft cushions,
gladly taking refuge behind huge palm
leaf fan kindly proffered by portly old gen.
tleman beside me.
Now hush, slight fluttering among the
congregation, rustic of garments, with now
and then a subdued whisper as the pulpit
was rolled close to the chancel, and the new
curate assembled
Hes just lovelyw whispered Marcia,
pulling softly at my sleeve. 'Do look at
him, Miss Kenwood."
kept my eyes downcast. If every woman
in the congregation cast glances of admira-
ton, was determined to do otherwise.
"Am l my brothers keeper" was the
text.
Clear and distinct came the words of the
speaker
The first words had caused my heart to
beat wildly. How like that voice of long
ago, that rich, soft voice that had pleaded
for my Lowell listened like one in a dream,
until / raised my eyes to see before me-Rob-
ert Preston.
Yes, Robert Preston. Changed, to be